Shane Homes YMCA has opened at the new Rocky Ridge facility in Calgary. It is the world’s largest YMCA. The facility cost $192 million to build and stands at 284,000 square feet.
The facility is the third of four new recreation facilities to open in underserved areas of Calgary as part of a $480 million investment by the city to improve the delivery of service.
“The Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge is an important part of providing much-needed recreation opportunities in northwest Calgary, and it’s part of a larger commitment to provide amenities across Calgary to meet our growing city’s needs. This facility will be an important hub for the community for generations to come,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
The new hub offers a blend of leisure, recreational and community amenities including a 3,000 square foot open-concept Calgary Public Library, ice rinks, aquatic pools, gymnasiums, a fitness centre, an elevated running track, a theatre and a studio space.
“It’s an express library experience focused on convenience – the first library of its kind in Calgary to operate on a self-service model. This is a starting point for the Library with this new service model and we will continue to develop it as we learn more how people use it. Our goal is to employ this model throughout the city as opportunities arise,” said Bill Ptacek, CEO of Calgary Public Library.
Construction of the facility began in March of 2015 and soft-opened to the public on January 15, 2018 with it officially opening in February. The project team includes PCL Construction Management Inc., RJC Consulting Engineers, ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. and GEC Architecture.
The finished facility sits within a natural park with views of the city and mountains, tucked between an existing hill that reaches Calgary’s highest natural elevation and a reconstructed wetland. It reflects extensive community research and engagement and was designed with the specific needs of the surrounding communities in mind.
The Remington YMCA opened to the public on September 10, 2016 in Calgary’s Southeast. The Great Plains Recreation Facility, a multi-purpose arena and community space also in the southeast, opened on September 6, 2016. The final facility, at Seton, is scheduled to open in early 2019.
